[K T Ong]

The party gave their thanks to the deities. "Thank you, Great Ones! Thank you!"

"Ghzar-banan, ya've grown in stature!" exclaimed StoneRock in surprise.

"The weapons and items which we have given you are all priceless treasures of great power," said Helm. "Value and honor them; use them wisely and with care! Have you any questions to ask, children?"

For a moment there was silence, the adventurers occasionally looking at each other.

"Well, Sirs... Don't mind if I ask... Uhhhh..." stuttered Rufus.

"Yes, beloved child?" asked Radiant Heart, a subtle smirk on her face suggesting she already knew what he meant to ask.

"Can... Can we have... more, please?" asked Rufus, a childish grin on his face. Magnus glared at him in shock. How could he be so rude towards the gods?

The five deities laughed loudly, their laughter causing the whole hall to tremble.

"Your courage to ask is admirable, child," praised Clangeddin with a touch of benign sarcasm in his voice, "and shall be rewarded! StoneRock!"

"Your humble servant hears, O mighty Clangeddin!" said StoneRock as he immediately went on his knees.

"I understand ye require a specially treated dagger to cure noble Sir Morgeruat of the malady which afflicts him," said the dwarven god, "by plunging it into the heart of the Dark Knight. I now relieve ye of the trouble of preparing the said dagger. Here's a knife which will suffice for the job; I have already extracted three drops of blood from our noble paladin's heart by sorcerous means and anointed the blade with it. Receive it now, faithful servant!" An exquisitely forged dagger appeared before StoneRock, who quickly took it.

"Your servant shall not fail ye, O mighty Clangeddin!" said the dwarf.

"As further help for you and your companions, my noble follower," said Helm to Sir Morgeruat, "I can teach you three Sacred Words of Power. They are derived from the language of the Elder Gods and only the utterly just and pure can ever get to learn this tongue. When your predicament is truly dire, just utter one Sacred Word and the power of the gods will come to your aid. But remember: each Word may be used once and once only, nor are they to be uttered trippingly on the tongue. Not only must the syllables be pronounced with precision, your mind must be completely calm and concentrated at the time each Word is uttered, failing which the Word's power is dispersed and can never be used again."

"Is... Is it possible, Great One?" asked Chun-Li. "Can one keep one's mind in a state of calm and concentration in the heat of battle, or in the face of extreme danger?"

"That's the test you face, children," said Helm. "Can you? The help offered by the gods can only go that far; you must exert yourselves for the rest of the way!"

"Have faith in me, O Great Lord," affirmed Sir Morgeruat, "I shall not fail you. Please teach me the Sacred Words of Power!"

[ 09-26-2002, 08:22 AM: Message edited by: K T Ong ]